Hatfield Forest

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Ancient royal hunting forest

More about this place

The CB300 logo and portrait by Richard Cosway

Capability Brown at Hatfield Forest 

This summer we will be celebrating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Capability Brown, one of the country's leading landscape designers, raising awareness of one of his smaller schemes.

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Hatfield Forest

Things to see and do

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A den built from fallen branches in the Forest

50 Things to do before you're 11¾ at Hatfield Forest 

With lots of open space and woodland to explore at our special place we're perfect for kick starting your 50 Things adventure. Here are our top ten activities to get you started.

A footpath heading off in to the Forest

Hatfield Forest Trails 

Explore the further reaches of Hatfield Forest by following one of our themed trails. Whilst the main focus is on natural history, there is also some regular history to discover. If you are lucky, you may spot fallow deer in the more remote areas.

An Every Step Counts ‘red’ route in winter

Every Step Counts - Summer update 

The summer months allow the many of the footpaths made muddy by the winter rains to dry out and recover. It also shows us where the damage is more long term.

Horse chestnuts coming into leaf in early Spring, The Warren

Things to see - Special Trees 

As you walk through the Forest, especially in the central lake area, take a closer look at the trees and you will be surprised by the variety of trees - no boring monoculture here.

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Hatfield Forest

What's on

Upcoming events

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Night Hike

Wed 26 Oct 2016
17:30-19:30
Join us for a nature walk at night.

Deer Rut Walk for Adults 2016

Thu 27 Oct 2016
06:30-08:30
Up at the crack of dawn for a fascinating journey into the secretive world of the fallow deer during their rutting season. Learn how to track and stalk in silence. Bring your camera!

Deer Rut Walk for Families 2016

Thu 27 Oct 2016
16:00-18:00
Catch a fascinating glimpse of the secret world of fallow deer.
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Hatfield Forest

Eating and shopping

Slices of sponge cake

The Forest Cafe 

Treat yourself at the Forest Cafe. Enjoy a slice of cake and a cappucino.

Display of jars of locally produced honey

Shopping 

Enjoy tempting treats on your visit to our shop, from locally sourced food to the perfect gift. All profits go back into our conservation work.

pack of diced venison

Forest Produce 

We sell Red Poll beef from cattle grazed in the Forest, as well as award winning venison, firewood and planks of timber sourced from the Forest

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Hatfield Forest

History

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  • Extract from 1757 plan with inset of Capability Brown

    Hatfield Forest and Capability Brown 

    2016 is the 300th anniversary of the birth of Lancelot "Capability" Brown, one of the greatest English landscape designers. We have recently uncovered exciting evidence that he prepared a small scheme for altering the lake and lakeside area at Hatfield Forest.

  • View showing ditched enclosure at Portingbury Hills

    A brief history 

    Find out more about the rich and varied history of Hatfield Forest. The Roman were here, and in World War II, the trees camouflaged ammunition dumps. Much happened in between.

  • Hunting scene from Livre de Chasse

    A medieval Forest 

    Hatfield Forest was designated a Forest (with a captial "F") by Henry I in about 1100. Fallow deer were introduced to improve the hunting.

  • View of the Shell House at Hatfield Forest, across the corner of the lake

    Any one for tea? 

    From about 1750, the Houblon family would travel out to the central area of the Forest, to enjoy picnics in the Shell House and go dancing on the lawn outside.

  • Title page showing composite coat of arms and entry from 1 Apr 1893

    The Shell House Visitors Book 

    The Prince of Wales visited the Shell House in 1893, with his mistress, Daisy Greville Brooke (later Countess of Warwick).

  • An

    A most generous gift 

    Just over 90 years ago, the Forest was saved from being harvested for timber by a wonderful act of generosity by one of the earliest conservationists.

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  • Hunting scene from Livre de Chasse

    Forest History Trail 

    Find out more about the interesting and varied history of Hatfield Forest stretching back over two thousand years.

  • Forest Lodge in Hatfield Forest, Essex

    Forest Buildings and Sites 

    The Forest contains a number of buildings and sites of historic interest.

  • Houblon portrait gallery

    Forest Families 

    Several families were associated with the Forest over the last six hundred years, since the last period of Royal ownership.

  • Picture of Takeley Station how it was in the 1950's

    Did you Know 

    Find out more about some of the things you may have seen whlist exploring the Forest

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Hatfield Forest

Wildlife

Grey Leg geese on the Lake at Hatfield Forest, Essex.

Get Twitching 

There are many species of bird at our special place. From woodland to water they call our special place home.

Group of fallow deer peacefully grazing

Discover the Deer 

We're home to an established population of both Fallow and Muntjac deer, secretive and shy but well worth the stake out. Come scour our woods to see how many you find.

Buttercups in May in a meadow at Takeley Hill at Hatfield Forest, Essex.

Wildflowers and Insects 

We're both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a National Nature Reserve. Visit to find out why we've been awarded these titles and what they mean for our visitors and volunteers.

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Hatfield Forest

Our work

National Trust Warden rounding up sheep near Forest Lodge at Hatfield Forest, Essex.

Our work 

Find out more about the many different types of conservation work we undertake in the Forest.

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Hatfield Forest

Learning

Learning at Hatfield Forest

Children creating art from leaves, twigs and bark

Learning at Hatfield Forest 

What better way to learn than in an outdoor classroom. Bring your group and discover our varied and exciting learning programme.

A den built from fallen branches in the Forest

Hatfield Forest Explorer Groups 

Come and have some fun in the Forest. Join one of our monthly Explorer groups.

Tree growing in open parkland in May at Hatfield Forest, Essex.

Professional Courses at Hatfield Forest 

Here, at Hatfield Forest, our team manages a variety of veteran trees and the wildlife that the habitat supports. Learn what they know by taking part in one of our professional courses.

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